Super Mario Bros. (1985 Video Game) User Reviews (59)

Great game, but...

[ajnrules · 10/10 · 17 August 2000]

it's extremely DIFFICULT. I have been playing this game since it was like 2 years old, and I still haven't been able to beat it! That proves how wimpy modern N64 platform games have become, since I am able to easily defeat its 1996 counterpart.

But the graphics for this game and its sometimes-cartridge-partner, Duck Hunt, seem quite advanced for 1985 and 1984 (respectively). At least compared to games like Excitebike (1984) and The Legend of Zelda (1986). The music is nice (although the dungeon and the castle music gets repetitive) and sound effects are cool. Once you've beaten this game, there's no need to play it anymore, but if you haven't, like me, you'll be wanting to keep playing until you beat it, and frustrated if you fail.

But this game is the same age as me, and I still play it at my friends house if they're hogging the Super Smash Bros. (I haven't beaten it yet.)

There's nothing like a classic.

[PunkJedi · 10/10 · 23 December 1999]

This game was my first video game. It was fun, needless to say, and it also improved my eye-hand coordination (tell your parents this, kids. They'll let you play all day!). But, video games have moved on into the realm of 3-d, and the classic side-scroller has been laid to rest. There's something I've noticed, though. In a lot of these "lush, 3-d environment" games, it seems that fun and challenge have been sacrificed to the great god of graphics. I suggest that the game makers of today do some researching of the past.

The most classic video game

[Edragonz · 10/10 · 11 October 2000]

This game deserves a ten for it's ground-breaking game play. Nintendo surprised the world by giving the stage to its biggest future stars. This is an unforgettable classic that will hopefully be preserved for future generations of game players.

What makes this game a classic

[Jiiimbooh · 10/10 · 11 July 2005]

I'm sure most people my age remember one or more situations like this: some guy your parents knew was celebrating his birthday and you went with your parents to the party. A lot of the other people also brought their kids and after a while you were all gathered in one room. You didn't really know each other that well, so what were you going to do? Well, the kid who's room it was had a Nintendo (or later Super Nintendo) or one of those pirated machines that played Nintendo games. The answer was: you played Super Mario! Everybody agreed that it was a fun game and everybody knew how to play it. It's simply the game of my generation.

But what made this particular game so important and well liked? First of all, at the time it arrived it was revolutionary – the first side-scrolling platform game ever and it was the game that made both video games and Nintendo popular. The story was good even if it was simple: You are Mario the plumber in the Mushroom Kingdom and you are on a mission to save the princess that have been kidnapped by Bowser. At the time this game was released they usually didn't bother to come up with interesting stories for games, so it's not like today when a lot of games have complicated story lines. It wasn't hard to figure out how to play, jump and land on an enemy's head and you will kill him, but it still wasn't that easy to beat. (Of course it's easier know that I'm soon to be 21 and have played it as many times as I have.) Last but not least, the music suited the game perfectly.

Something that to me is a sign that this is a good game is that it's still fun to play now when I'm almost 21, even though it was a game that was meant for kids (like all games that were released at that time) and the graphics are very out-dated. This is a game that a lot of people still play, it's been re-released both to Gameboy Color and Gameboy Advance. Of course a lot of people download it and play it on emulators – even though Nintendo doesn't like that.

For someone of my generation playing this game today is like re-living only the happy times of your childhood. When I played it as a kid I wasn't someone sitting in front of the TV playing a video game – I was Mario and I was on a very important mission to save the princess!

10/10

I beat it.

[eatmypantseatmyshorts · 10/10 · 26 June 2020]

I was playing on the Nintendo Switch Online NES thingy, using the warp zones, and also Tutorials.

It was victory.

Perhaps The Only Perfect Video Game Ever Created

[zkonedog · 10/10 · 12 March 2017]

After receiving my first Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991, I instantly became hooked on one game in particular: Super Mario Brothers. It's relatively new style of play (side-scrolling) in combination with an original story and the perfect difficulty arc (anyone can beat the beginning levels, but it takes a true pro to complete the game) made it the game that I played over and over again. Whether it was screaming in frustration due to the Hammer Brothers, hearing in disbelief that the Princess "was in another castle", or the sheer joy of beating that next castle, I played the game over and over again. Of course, being such a young child, I was never quite talented enough to complete the complicated jump moves or decipher the complex mazes (towards the end) well enough to actually beat the game. Yet, I still had a heck of a time trying!

Flash forward (LOST-style) 10-12 years later: Having been introduced to the NES at such a young age, I continued by brand loyalty to Nintendo by playing the Super Nintendo, Nintendo '64, Gamecube, and Wii. I had a lot of good times with those machines, but one day I got the urge to fire up the old NES again, for old times sake. Within moments (well, not exactly moments, as it took some blowing on the connectors and jiggling the game up and down) I was instantly transformed back into that excited six year old kid who couldn't wait to come home from school and play Mario. This time around, with a little practice, I was able to conquer even the final Bowser.

While playing the game at that older age, though, I was amazed at the purity of it. It was original (which can't be said about most SNES games), it was straight-forward (not like Donkey Kong '64, for example), it's difficulty arc progresses in a logical fashion (not like GCN, where in many games you have to be a master gamer to step right in), and the game's internal bugs are cute and looked forward too, not annoying and troublesome as is sometimes the case on the Wii.

Thus, taking all those things into consideration, Super Mario Brothers for the NES is, at least in my opinion, perhaps the closest thing to a "perfect video game" as has ever been created. Not only did it practically save the entire gaming industry, but it also gave hours of entertainment to people across the world. To me, only The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (for the '64) can challenge Mario Bros. in terms of overall game quality.

So, if you are a nostalgic video gamer (like myself) who is a bit frazzled by the current obsessions and skill levels, I would highly recommend dusting of the old NES box and popping in Super Mario Brothers (it often comes on the same cartridge as Duck Hunt). After a few moments of dickering, a few tries to re-master the old skill-sets, you will NOT be disappointed.

Classic, folks...

[Analog_Devotee · 9/10 · 3 August 2021]

What can be said about this game that hasn't already been said? It's a classic that not only spawned a genre but catapulted it into the mainstream via living rooms around THE WORLD!

I don't need to tell people to play this game, but I will say this to all the parents out there: Make your kids play this game! It's the equivalent of taking them to a museum -- they need to see how these things were back in the days before everything was RPG-lite with a battle royal mode and a gaggle of microtransactions and lootboxes.

The game that defined "classic"

[Ivan Ravenous · 9/10 · 11 October 2000]

Man, this is the ultimate classic video game. Everyone in the world has played it, and I've never heard of anyone even mildly disliking it. It's not as hard as I remembered it being (which is strange, because I usually remember them being easier than they really are) but it's still very challenging. Modern video games would benefit greatly from re-acquainting themselves with the old-school video game rule: There's No Guarantee You Will Win.

What a classic!

[Nic0981323 · 8/10 · 15 February 2021]

This game changed video games forever. It standardizes who Mario is today, and it saved the video game industry. Not only that, but it's a good game. I only rated this 8/10 because you can't go back, and you turn into Small Mario when you get hit as Fire Mario. Still a great game.

If you haven't played this, you've been living under a rock.

[NeglectfulKiller · 10/10 · 6 May 2002]

This is THE classic, the penultimate video game. The quintessence of nostalgia for us 80's romantics, and the introduction to unparalleled gameplay for those unfamiliar, having been brainwashed by modern hype. This immortal masterpiece embodies the word fun, and is the most simple and sublime experience that can be achieved through a television screen and a system. Enjoy. Now.

The best game I have ever played!

[spiderguy_07 · 10/10 · 21 November 2006]

The first time I saw this game, I was 4 years old, and my dad was playing it on his new Nintendo (A 35 year old man, playing a Nintendo lol), and I asked him, "Dad, how are you so good at that?", and he answered, "Practice, lots of practice." I am now 17 and have been playing this game off and on for years. I consider myself the master of this game.

There are 8 worlds with 4 parts. You must go through each of them to get to Bowser. The mini enemies are Bullets, Koopa Troopas, Gumba's, Buzzy Beetle's, and Pipe Flowers.

If you are a beginner, you will probably finish this game in an hour and a half. But if you are the master at it, you will finish it in 30 minutes.

This game will continue to be the greatest game of all time!

It hasn't aged the best, but it's still fun.

[maddoxacox · 7/10 · 27 May 2022]

Several game mechanics are clunky by today's standards, but the game is still as addicting as ever. The goal of the game is simple, rescue Peach from Bowser.

Super Mario Bros.

[bombersflyup · 5/10 · 4 February 2022]

The one that started it all, well it came with the system. It's gameplay's dare I say it, limited. Not exactly enthralling, but points for nostalgia and being a stepping stone.

A classic

[Op_Prime · 19 July 1999]

Super Mario Bros. is still one of the best games ever. The game has a strange concept and the graphics aren't nearly as good as anything today, but it's a classic. It's a challenging game, with famous Mario and his brother Luigi, that will never be forgotten.

The Best Video Game Ever Made

[claptonisgod53 · 10/10 · 28 December 2008]

Bar none, Super Mario Brothers is the most purely enjoyable game of all time. Why? simply because you can play it for years on end and never get tired of it. Sure, it may not have the most in depth storyline or gaming options, but that just makes the game better. There's nothing to worry about except for beating bad guys and racing against the clock. Even the gameplay is perfect. Never once have I ever hit a glitch that ruined the gameplay.

This game is truly a classic from all of our childhoods that made gaming fun. Screw GTA, Halo, Guitar Hero, and Pokemon... nothing will ever beat Super Mario Brothers... old school.

Classic and best memorable video game ever!

[blanbrn · 10/10 · 20 June 2019]

This was the first and maybe most well known game for the classic NES system as it was fun and a challenge to go thru different worlds and levels and create extra men and have more bodies for battle in the mushroom kingdom as the goal was to save and rescue the kidnapped princess from the evil Bowser. I loved the game as I mastered it several times it was fun as you went thru worlds of water(you had to learn to swim) and facing flying creatures and moving toads and would go thru evil castles of fire all while playing as the little plumber Mario. Really need I say more a memorable video game classic that helped start the industry.

Super Mario Bros (1985) A amazing classic

[claszdsburrogato · 8/10 · 29 March 2023]

The first game in the Super Mario Bros franchise is already emerging as one of the greatest games in history. A very well done game with complicated but fun mechanics. The aesthetics are wonderful, from the settings to the characters. Each stage is more beautiful than the other and the colors make the game even more alive. The story is very basic and lacks depth, as this is not the purpose of the game, but seeing the beginning of this great universe of games is really cool. Here we have the great villain Bowser who still doesn't get much attention, but manages to draw attention for his incredible look. It's surprising how a game from almost 40 years ago still maintains an absurd level of quality and surpasses many recent games. This is definitely one of Nintendo's greatest games.

Wonderful NES game and just a wonderful game in general

[bradleysloan-24083 · 10/10 · 31 March 2021]

This is a great game starring Mario and Luigi in a game where Mario wants to save Princess Toadstool (Peach) But has to defeat Bowser. Great storyline, artwork, music, Great everything.

The greatest video game of the 80's.

[gangstahippie · 10/10 · 16 July 2006]

Rated E(Contains Mild Violence).

Super Mario Bros was not the first game to feature Mario.The first Mario game was actually Donkey Kong which was released in 1981.This game featured Mario(Jumpman in the Donkey Kong game) trying to save the princess from a big ape(Donkey Kong) by jumping over barrels and other obstacles.Not only was this the first game to feature Mario but the first video game to feature Princess and Donkey Kong.Mario's second appearance came in the sequel to Donkey Kong which was Donkey Kong JR.In that game Mario was the antagonist.You are Donkey Kong's son in that game and you have to save your father from Mario.The third game that Mario was featured in was Mario bros.This one was released in 1982.I have never played that one so I don't know the plot.But the video game that made Mario a video game icon and a super-star was Super Mario Bros.This game was a revolution for 1980's video gaming.I have played this game before and I must say this game is excellent even by today's standards(even though the graphics may seem a bit dated).The game is about two plumbers named Mario and Luigi who end up in the Mushroom Kingdom and must save the princess from the evil Bowser.Super Mario Bros spawned many sequels and spin-off's.If you can find this game(or variations of the game).Get it! You wont be disappointed.

10/10

"Thank you Mario! But our princess is in another castle!" - Toad

[davimaia-76303 · 9/10 · 22 December 2022]

Incredible. The concept of a nice plumber (albeit an Italian stereotype) saving the princess instead of a gentleman or prince is quite original and good. Sort of the graphics were nice back then and are still excellent to this day. Generated three iconic power-ups from across the "Mario" series. Super Mushroom, Fire Flower and Starman. Great music too. Top theme is very well known even if you have never played this game. Thank Nintendo for this amazing game. Flaws: Unlike "Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)" you cannot rewind. The game doesn't even have a continue unlike Sonic, if you lose your lives you HAVE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN! At least there's a cheat that makes you pick up where you left off in the world.

Fun fact: If you've lost all your lives, press and hold the "A" button on the NES until the title screen, and while holding, press Start on the NES. So, instead of world 1-1, you will start in the world where you took a Game Over.

What did you think I would give it?

[The_Wagon · 10/10 · 27 January 2007]

It's obvious why this is getting a 10. It's Super Mario Bros. It deserves every ounce of respect it gets. This game changed the world. You know it did. Even if for some strange reason you don't like it, you have to admit that it changed the world. If not for Nintendo, you probably wouldn't be sitting at home playing Halo 2 or some game like that. I hate when people say Nintendo sucks, and I'll admit that I've said it before, but I now have full respect for Nintendo once again after playing the Wii. Anyway, yeah, this game is a classic. This game is like the Beatles' Revolver of the video game industry. Sadly, the sequel, SMB2, is more like the With The Beatles of the SMB series. Good, but not as good. However, SMB3 is like the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band of video games.

Yo Bros!

[rabenulrik · 10/10 · 22 January 2021]

As we wait for Mario 2022 on the big srceen let´s go back to the 1980s. When Mario was released it was the beginning of a classic and very long franchise along with VG names like the Sega rival Sonic. There was no Worldwide internet in the 1980s, so you had to buy magazines to find the cheats. Unless you was a tech wizard that knew about Worldwide web, or could communicate via C64 crack tapes. Decades passed as Mario got tons of games from DS to Switch.

Ok, but not great

[Some-asshole · 7/10 · 5 May 2020]

The mechanics are clunky, levels are literally copied into later levels, the castle levels and boss fights are repetive and boring, there's a huge lack of power ups (they couldn't add another power up and let us be able to use anything other than the fire flower?), and this game just doesn't satisfy me.

I don't care what it influenced, though I know what it created and what it created is awesome, it's not a great game to me. Just because it started everything, that doesn't make it a fantastic game.

I don't care how influental it was, I hate it.

[jorkan · 1/10 · 23 December 2016]

Super Mario Bros. Centers around an Italian guy (Who is worse than Mussolini, by the way) who begins his noble journey of saving a princess from a mutant turtle named "Bowser". Along the way, he encounters evil mushrooms and dinosaurs, whom he must kill. I don't get why it's so successful. Either way, the "Damsel in distress" plot is used again and again in this long, boring collection of binary codes and music thrown together by one man in a warehouse in Kyoto. To all you people who call Animal crossing boring (I've never actually played a animal crossing game), then you've never played Mario, which I fell asleep attempting to play.